How to Protect Yourself from Spring Allergies at Home

May 12, 2015

While most people spend the cold winter months in Canada impatiently waiting for the arrival of spring, one thing they certainly don’t look forward to is the onset of allergy symptoms that come with warm weather. For some, being outdoors during this time can be a miserable experience, which means staying inside away from the pollen and dust can be a healthier and more comfortable choice. In fact, one in four Canadians say they limit outdoor activities in order to avoid allergy symptoms. However, allergens can easily be brought into any home, causing your indoor air quality to be every bit as bad for allergy symptoms as the air outside.

Here are our top five tips to protect yourself from spring allergies at home:

Replace your air filter

It’s always a good idea to start the new season with a clean air filter, so if you haven’t done it already, now is a perfect time to replace yours. High-efficiency air filters can trap up 85 per cent of very tiny dust particles, pollen, mold and other irritants that can trigger your spring allergy symptoms. By replacing your air filter regularly, you could reduce the allergens in your home.

Control your home’s humidity

Investing in a humidifier can be crucial to protect yourself from spring allergies at home. The added moisture in the air will weigh down the pollen and help prevent it from remaining airborne. However, increased humidity levels will promote mold and dust mite growth, which could make allergies even worse. Stand-alone humidifiers are small and affordable enough to put in each room, though a whole-home humidifier will greatly increase your home’s overall indoor air quality. Check out our post on the benefits of a whole home humidifier, if you’d like to learn more.

Close the windows

As tempting as it is to keep the windows in your home open during the spring when the weather can be just right, allowing the fresh air in also invites pollen and other unwanted allergens into your home. If you’re going to keep windows open, make sure to check the pollen report for your city before doing so.

Keep your pets groomed

If your furry friend goes outdoors regularly, he or she can be a magnet for pollen, as it can collect in the fur of many animals. Bathing and regularly brushing your pet will greatly reduce the pollen collected in their fur. Frequently cleaning your pet’s bedding is also a good idea.

Wash the bedding and clean the carpets

Pollen can settle on sheets, duvets and blankets, meaning that spring allergies are present even when you’re sleeping. Allergy-proof covers for pillows and mattresses can help keep the little critters at bay, and you can kill them by washing your bedding weekly in hot water.

Carpets – Pollen and other allergens can settle deep into the fabric of your home’s carpets. Vacuuming weekly will help keep this potential allergy nightmare under control.

Did you know?

Common spring allergens vary depending on where you’re located in Canada. While Toronto residents suffer from spring allergies due to ragweed, Halifax residents suffer the same symptoms due to dust mites, Edmonton residents due to outdoor mold and Vancouver residents due to tree allergies.